Describing the characteristics of effective teams Outcome 1.2 Describing the characteristics of effective teams

Team working The expression ‘no man is an island’ is very true – it is not often that people can successfully work alone without the need for anyone else.

A team can be defined as a group which has been specially formed for a particular purpose – to achieve a particular aim/common goal. A team is characterised by three factors: a shared purpose or goal a sense of belonging to a team (having an identity) a dependence/reliance on each other

An effective team will have good leadership and members who are all keen to take on different roles, for example: being responsible for set tasks helping the team leader to make decisions giving feedback at meetings and listening to others’ ideas helping and supporting others with their tasks suggesting ideas and being prepared to compromise Effective teams need to have a balance between the people who have the ideas and those who put them into action.

Belbin Belbin, one of the leading management ‘gurus’, has studied team working and written numerous books on the subject. Team size: According to Belbin, an effective team will normally consist of around 4 to 6 team members Team roles: According to Belbin, those teams which work effectively have members who adopt a number of roles. Belbin identified 9 of these roles which the members of an effective team, whatever its size, will clearly fulfil.

Belbin’s Team Roles Belbin’s 9 roles The Specialist The Ideas Person The Motivator The Organiser The Implementer The Checker The Finisher The Go Getter The Team Player Belbin’s 9 roles

Stages in team development Forming Storming Norming Performing

What makes a team effective? Shared goals and supporting each other Shared knowledge Shared experience and skills Productive environment Ability to resolve conflict within the team

Team conflict There are many reasons for conflict but it usually occurs when there are: Conflicting goals Personal disputes Lack of resources Changing expectations Loyalty issues

Factors determining team effectiveness Team composition Team development/cohesiveness Nature of the task Team maintenance/environment Leadership

Types of team leaders One of the essential components of effective teams is appropriate leadership. A leader can be described as someone who influences others towards the achievement of goals. Instead of having to coerce followers to achieve a task, a good leader will motivate people to willingly work towards their goals.

Good leaders generally have the ability to think clearly, analyse situations and make decisions. They know how to delegate, motivate and communicate. They have good social skills and can build relationships with all members of their team. Good leaders have technical proficiency, and the skills and expertise for core areas of the job.

There are different forms of leadership: Autocratic Democratic Laissez-faire

Benefits of team working to the individual There is a sense of being valued and belonging Being able to share knowledge and increase skills by learning from others Increased motivation and morale More likely to take risks, as these are shared

Benefits of team working to the organisation A multi-skilled and flexible workforce that can change and adapt to needs as required Employees take on more responsibility and need less supervision Specialisation and division of labour into different project areas Risks undertaken successfully can hugely benefit organisation

Answer the following questions: Use your notes to help you answer the questions. List the characteristics of a successful team. Which is the most successful stage of team development? Why? Give 2 reasons why conflict may arise within a team. Outline 2 qualities of a successful leader. Using Belbin’s descriptions, which role or roles would you play in a team? Give a reason for your answer.